Flag of São Paulo (state)

The flag of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, is a symbol representing the state and its people. It was officially adopted on July 3, 1948, by Law No. 2964.

The flag's design consists of thirteen alternating black and white stripes, representing the days of mourning declared after the death of Antônio Manuel de Melo Castro e Mendonça, the first governor of the Captaincy of São Paulo. These stripes are overlaid by a red canton in the upper left corner.

Within the red canton is a white circle containing a blue silhouette of Brazil. Within the silhouette is a white cross. The white cross represents the cross of the Order of Christ, a Portuguese religious and military order influential in the colonization of Brazil. The use of the cross acknowledges the historical role of Portuguese influence in the region.

The flag's colors are intended to evoke aspects of São Paulo's history and culture. The black and white represent the historical importance of coffee production, with the colors being associated with the soil and the coffee flower respectively. The red symbolizes the spirit of the people of São Paulo. The overall design combines historical references with elements intended to project the state's identity within the broader context of Brazil.